U.S. patent number 10,688,401 [Application Number 16/257,184] was granted by the patent office on 2020-06-23 for system and method to control entertainment figures.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Universal City Studios LLC. The grantee listed for this patent is Universal City Studios LLC. Invention is credited to Robert Charles Aradio, Michael Keith Brister, Gerard Howland, Darrin Hughes, Dwain South.
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United States Patent |
10,688,401 |
Brister , et al. |
June 23, 2020 |
System and method to control entertainment figures
Abstract
An entertainment figure system includes an entertainment figure
having an attachment point, a bogie coupled to a track and to the
attachment point of the entertainment figure via a cable and a
winch coupled to the cable. The bogie is configured to translate
along the track and the winch is configured to adjust a length of
the cable extending from the winch and thereby modify a distance
between the attachment point and the bogie.
Inventors: |
Brister; Michael Keith (Winter
Garden, FL), South; Dwain (Orlando, FL), Aradio; Robert
Charles (Orlando, FL), Howland; Gerard (Orlando, FL),
Hughes; Darrin (Orlando, FL) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Universal City Studios LLC |
Universal City |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Universal City Studios LLC
(Universal City, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
71105048 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/257,184 |
Filed: |
January 25, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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62789624 |
Jan 8, 2019 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63G
31/02 (20130101); A63J 5/02 (20130101); B61F
5/52 (20130101); A63G 21/20 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63G
31/02 (20060101); A63J 5/02 (20060101); B61F
5/52 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;472/50,59,75-78,80,81,83-84,130 ;434/29,55 ;104/112-113,117,117.1
;105/30,148,150-151 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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102309853 |
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May 2013 |
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CN |
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206642355 |
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Nov 2017 |
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CN |
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1063064 |
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Dec 2000 |
|
EP |
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2305645 |
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Apr 1997 |
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GB |
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201323043 |
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Jun 2013 |
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TW |
|
8301428 |
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Apr 1983 |
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WO |
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Other References
Todd D. Murphey et al.; "Control Aesthetics in Software
Architecture for Robotic Marionettes," American Control Conference,
2011, pp. 1-6. cited by applicant .
Creating a Stewart Platform Model Using SimMechanics, Mathworks,
Oct. 16, 2013, 8 Pages. cited by applicant .
PCT/US2020/012086 Invitation to Pay Additional Fees Mar. 24, 2020.
cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Nguyen; Kien T
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fletcher Yoder, P.C.
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/789,624, entitled "SYSTEM AND
METHOD TO CONTROL ENTERTAINMENT FIGURES", filed Jan. 8, 2019, which
is hereby incorporated by reference.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. An entertainment figure system, comprising: an entertainment
figure comprising an attachment point; a bogie coupled to a track
and to the attachment point of the entertainment figure via a
cable, wherein the bogie is configured to translate along the
track; and a winch coupled to the cable and configured to adjust a
length of the cable extending from the winch and thereby modify a
distance between the attachment point and the bogie such that the
attachment point moves relative to at least one portion of the
entertainment figure to change an arrangement of the entertainment
figure.
2. The entertainment figure system of claim 1, comprising a show
area and a guest area, wherein the entertainment figure is disposed
in the show area, and wherein the entertainment figure is
configured to be positioned in the guest area via translation of
the bogie, adjustment of the length of the cable, or both.
3. The entertainment figure system of claim 1, wherein the bogie is
configured to translate along the track and the winch is configured
to maintain the length of the cable while the bogie translates
along the track to transport at least the at least one portion or
another portion of the entertainment figure.
4. The entertainment figure system of claim 1, comprising a
controller configured to cause the bogie to translate along the
track, to operate the winch to adjust the length of the cable
extending from the winch, or both.
5. The entertainment figure system of claim 4, wherein the
controller is configured to control operation of the winch to
adjust the length of the cable extending from the winch, and
wherein the controller is configured to maintain a location of the
bogie along the track while operating the winch to adjust the
length of the cable extending from the winch to move the attachment
point relative to the at least one portion of the entertainment
figure.
6. The entertainment figure system of claim 1, wherein the
attachment point is a first attachment point, wherein the length is
a first length, wherein the distance is a first distance, wherein
the amusement park attraction system comprises a second attachment
point, and wherein the winch is configured to adjust a second
length of the cable extending from the winch and thereby modify a
second distance between the second attachment point and the first
attachment point concurrently to adjusting the first length of the
cable extending from the winch.
7. The entertainment figure system of claim 1, wherein the
attachment point is a first attachment point, wherein the cable is
a first cable, wherein the length is a first length, wherein the
distance is a first distance, wherein the entertainment figure
comprises a second attachment point, wherein the bogie is coupled
to the track and to the second attachment point of the
entertainment figure via a second cable, and wherein the amusement
park attraction system comprises a second winch coupled to the
second cable and configured to adjust a second length of the second
cable extending from the second winch and thereby modify a second
distance between the second attachment point and the bogie.
8. The entertainment figure system of claim 1, wherein the bogie is
rotatably coupled to the track.
9. The entertainment figure system of claim 1, wherein the winch is
disposed on the bogie.
10. The entertainment figure system of claim 1, wherein the
entertainment figure comprises an additional portion and the
attachment point is located at the additional portion, wherein the
entertainment figure comprises a joint between the additional
portion and the at least one portion, and wherein the joint is
configured to enable movement of the additional portion relative to
the at least one portion of the entertainment figure to move the
attachment point relative to the at least one portion of the
entertainment figure.
11. An entertainment figure system, comprising: an entertainment
figure comprising an attachment point; a bogie coupled to a track
and to the attachment point of the entertainment figure via a
cable, wherein the bogie comprises a motor; a winch coupled to the
cable and configured to adjust a length of the cable extending from
the winch and thereby modify a distance between the attachment
point and the bogie, wherein the winch comprises an actuator; and a
controller communicatively coupled to the bogie and to the winch,
wherein the controller is configured to activate the motor of the
bogie to translate and thereby adjust a location of the bogie along
the track, and wherein the controller is configured to activate the
actuator of the winch to adjust the length of the cable extending
from the winch.
12. The entertainment figure system of claim 11, wherein the
controller is configured to receive an input from a sensor, from a
user, or both, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the
location of the bogie, the length of the cable extending from the
winch, or both, based at least in part on the received input.
13. The entertainment figure system of claim 12, wherein the
received input comprises a target location of the bogie, a target
length of the cable extending from the winch, a target position of
the attachment point, a target speed of the bogie translating along
the track, a target rate of the cable adjusted by the winch, a
target movement of the attachment point, a time, or any combination
thereof.
14. The entertainment figure system of claim 11, wherein the track
is coupled to a base, and wherein the controller is configured to
adjust a position of the base to move the track.
15. The entertainment figure system of claim 11, comprising a
sensor disposed on the winch, wherein the sensor is configured to
detect an operating parameter, wherein the operating parameter
comprises the location of the bogie, the length of the cable
extending from the winch, a position of the attachment point, a
speed of the bogie translating along the track, a rate of the cable
adjusted by the winch, a tension imparted on the cable, a torque
imparted on the winch, or any combination thereof, and wherein the
controller is configured to activate the motor of the bogie to
adjust the location of the bogie, activate the actuator of the
winch to adjust the length of the cable extending from the winch,
or both, based on the operating parameter.
16. An entertainment figure system, comprising: an entertainment
figure comprising a first attachment point and a second attachment
point; a first bogie coupled to a first track and to the first
attachment point via a first cable, wherein the first track is
positioned between the entertainment figure and a ceiling, wherein
the first bogie is configured to translate along the first track; a
second bogie coupled to a second track and to the second attachment
point via a second cable, wherein the second track is positioned
between the entertainment figure and a floor, wherein the second
bogie is configured to translate along the second track; a first
winch coupled to the first cable and configured to adjust a first
length of the first cable extending from the first winch and
thereby modify a first distance between the first attachment point
and the first bogie; and a second winch coupled to the second cable
and configured to adjust a second length of the second cable
extending from the second winch and thereby modify a second
distance between the second attachment point and the second bogie
such that a third distance between the first attachment point and
the second attachment point changes to arrange the first attachment
point relative to the second attachment point.
17. The entertainment figure system of claim 16, comprising: a
third bogie coupled to the second track and to a third attachment
point via a third cable, wherein the third bogie is configured to
translate along the second track independently of the second bogie;
and a third winch coupled to the third cable and configured to
adjust a third length of the third cable extending from the third
winch and thereby modify a fourth distance between the third
attachment point and the third bogie.
18. The entertainment figure system of claim 16, wherein the
entertainment figure comprises a third attachment point, wherein
the second bogie is coupled to the third attachment point via a
third cable and wherein the amusement park attraction system
comprises a third winch configured to adjust a third length of the
third cable and thereby modify a fourth distance between the third
attachment point and the second bogie.
19. The entertainment figure system of claim 16, wherein the first
track is coupled to a base, wherein the base is configured to move
the first track with respect to the second track.
20. The entertainment figure system of claim 16, comprising a
controller, wherein the controller is configured to operate the
first winch to retract the first cable and operate the second winch
to extend the second cable while the first winch retracts the first
cable to raise the entertainment figure, and wherein the controller
is configured to operate the first winch to extend the first cable
and operate the second winch to retract the second cable while the
second winch extends the first cable to lower the entertainment
figure.
Description
BACKGROUND
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of amusement
park entertainment. More specifically, embodiments of the present
disclosure relate to a system to control entertainment figures via
cables.
This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects
of art that may be related to various aspects of the present
disclosure, which are described below. This discussion is believed
to be helpful in providing the reader with background information
to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the
present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these
statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of
prior art.
Amusement parks include a variety of features providing unique
experiences to park guests. For example, the amusement park may
include entertainment figures (e.g., animated figures) that provide
entertainment for park guests, such as on a ride or at a show of
the amusement park. The entertainment figures may differ in size
and/or movement to provide a variety of entertainment. However,
flexible control of certain entertainment figures may be difficult.
For example, it is now recognized that large entertainment figures
may be difficult to control in an accurate and/or precise manner
while still allowing for movements that appear natural.
SUMMARY
A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth
below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented
merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of these certain
embodiments and that these aspects are not intended to limit the
scope of this disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may encompass a
variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.
In an embodiment, an entertainment figure system includes an
entertainment figure having an attachment point, a bogie coupled to
a track and to the attachment point of the entertainment figure via
a cable and a winch coupled to the cable. The bogie is configured
to translate along the track and the winch is configured to adjust
a length of the cable extending from the winch and thereby modify a
distance between the attachment point and the bogie.
In an embodiment, an entertainment figure system includes an
entertainment figure comprising an attachment point, a bogie
coupled to a track and to the attachment point of the entertainment
figure via a cable, and a winch coupled to the cable and configured
to adjust a length of the cable extending from the winch and
thereby modify a distance between the attachment point and the
bogie. The amusement park attraction system further includes a
controller communicatively coupled to the bogie and to the winch,
in which the controller is configured to adjust a location of the
bogie along the track, and the controller is configured to operate
the winch to adjust the length of the cable extending from the
winch.
In an embodiment, an entertainment figure system includes an
entertainment figure having a first attachment point and a second
attachment point, a first bogie coupled to a first track and to the
first attachment point via a first cable, a second bogie coupled to
a second track and to the second attachment point via a second
cable, a first winch coupled to the first cable and configured to
adjust a first length of the first cable extending from the first
winch and thereby modify a first distance between the first
attachment point and the first bogie, and a second winch coupled to
the second cable and configured to adjust a second length of the
second cable extending from the second winch and thereby modify a
second distance between the second attachment point and the second
bogie. Furthermore, the first track is positioned between the
entertainment figure and a ceiling, in which the first bogie is
configured to translate along the first track, and the second track
is positioned between the entertainment figure and a floor, in
which the second bogie is configured to translate along the second
track.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present
disclosure will become better understood when the following
detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying
drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout
the drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of an amusement park
attraction that includes an entertainment figure system that
adjusts a position of an entertainment figure, in accordance with
aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the
entertainment figure system of FIG. 1 depicting an example of the
manner in which an entertainment figure may be moved, in accordance
with aspects of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of various components of the
entertainment figure system of FIG. 1, in accordance with aspects
of the present disclosure;
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the entertainment
figure system of FIG. 1 illustrating a configuration in which
attachments of the entertainment figure may be controlled, in
accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and
FIG. 5 is a process flow diagram of a method of controlling
movement of an entertainment figure, in accordance with aspects of
the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In an
effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not
all features of an actual implementation are described in the
specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of
any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design
project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to
achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with
system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary
from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be
appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and
time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of
design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill
having the benefit of this disclosure.
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a system that
controls an entertainment figure. Entertainment figures may be
implemented at amusement parks to enhance a guest's experience. In
general, an entertainment figure may contribute to a sentiment of
the guest, such as thrill, fright, humor, and so forth. For
example, in a ride of the amusement park, in which a guest may be
positioned on a ride vehicle of the ride, an entertainment figure
may appear (e.g., be transported) near the ride vehicle at a
certain point during the ride, such as at a certain area of a track
of the ride or and/or at a certain time of the ride. Additionally
or alternatively, at a show of the amusement park, the
entertainment figure may appear near where guests are seated at a
certain time of the show. In addition to being transported to and
from different locations, certain parts (e.g., an appendage) of
entertainment figures may also move relative to other parts of the
entertainment figure. As can be appreciated, movement of the
entertainment figure may add to the experience provided by the
entertainment figure. In other words, the combination of the
appearance and the movement of the entertainment figure may further
enhance a guest's experience.
Actuators may provide both transportation and movement of the
entertainment figure. As used herein, transportation refers to
conveying (e.g., translating) the entire entertainment figure to a
different location and movement refers to arranging a certain part
of the entertainment figure to a different position relative to a
remainder of the entertainment figure. In certain systems,
actuators may be limited in providing a degree of movement to
entertainment figures. In other words, certain parts of
entertainment figures may possess a limited range of motion. In
other systems, entertainment figures may be limited to a specific
configuration (e.g., size, weight, shape) suitable to the specific
system (e.g., actuator specification) provided. Thus, implementing
certain entertainment figures may increase costs of operation
and/or result in limited motion.
Therefore, it is presently recognized that a system capable of
providing a flexible degree of movement for entertainment figures
of different configurations is beneficial in enhancing a guest's
experience. Specifically, the system may use a cable coupling a
part of an entertainment figure to a bogie. The cable may extend
and/or retract via the bogie to move the part of the entertainment
figure. Additionally, the bogie may be implemented on a track and
may translate on the track to move the part and/or to transport the
entire entertainment figure. Each entertainment figure may be
coupled to multiple cables, in which each cable may couple a
different part of the entertainment figure to a respective bogie.
Positioning of the bogies and of the cables in a particular manner
may enhance transportation and/or movement of the entertainment
figure to entertain guests accordingly. It should be understood
that, as used herein, an entertainment figure includes any type of
figure that may be positioned to entertain guests at an amusement
park or other venue, including an animated figure (e.g., a figure
or puppet animated by an electromechanical device), a person, a
robot, a ride vehicle, and so forth, and the embodiments of the
systems described herein may be implemented to different types of
entertainment figures.
Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an
embodiment of a show system 100 that may be used to adjust (e.g.,
move, animate) an entertainment FIG. 102 at an amusement park. For
example, the show system 100 may be used at an attraction of the
amusement park, in which guests may experience the show system 100.
An entertainment figure system 104 may be considered to be
positioned in a show area 105 of the show system 100. Generally,
the show area 105 may include elements of the show system 100, such
as animated figures, performers, show effects, and the like. In a
non-limiting embodiment, the show area 105 may be adjacent to
and/or overlap with a guest area 106, where guests may be
positioned, such as to be seated at and view the entertainment FIG.
102. As such, the entertainment figure system 104 may be configured
to be transported from the show area 105 into the guest area 106,
and/or the entertainment figure may be concurrently positioned in
both the show area 105 and the guest area 106.
Certain features of the entertainment figure system 104 may adjust
a position of the entertainment FIG. 102. For example, the
entertainment figure system 104 may include a first track 108 and a
second track 110. A first bogie 112 may be disposed on the first
track 108 and a second bogie 114 may be disposed on the second
track 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second
bogies 112, 114 are each configured to translate along the
respective first and second tracks 108, 110. In one embodiment, the
entertainment FIG. 102 may include a first attachment point 116, a
second attachment point 118, and a third attachment point 120. Each
attachment point 116, 118, 120 of the entertainment FIG. 102 may be
coupled to at least one of the bogies 112, 114. Specifically, each
attachment point 116, 118, 120 of the entertainment FIG. 102 may be
coupled to a first winch 122 of the first bogie 112 and/or a second
winch 124 of the second bogie 114 via cables. As an example, a
first cable 126 may couple the first attachment point 116 to the
first winch 122, a second cable 128 may couple the second
attachment point 118 to the second winch 124, a third cable 130 may
couple the third attachment point 120 to the first winch 122, and a
fourth cable 132 may couple the third attachment point 120 to the
second winch 124. In this manner, as the first bogie 112 and/or the
second bogie 114 translate along the respective first track 108 and
second track 110, the respective positions of the attachment points
116, 118, 120 may be adjusted. In one embodiment, the first track
108 and/or the second track 110 may extend near or within the guest
area 106. In this manner, at least a portion of the entertainment
FIG. 102 may extend into the guest area 106, such as when the first
bogie 112 and/or the second bogie 114 translates along the
respective first track 108 and second track 110 near or within the
guest area 106.
Furthermore, the respective positions of the attachment points 116,
118, 120 may be adjusted via the first and second winches 122, 124.
Particularly, the winches 122, 124 may extend and/or retract the
respective cables 126, 128, 130, 132 to adjust the respective
extended lengths of the cables 126, 128, 130, 132 (i.e., the length
of the cable extending from the respective winches). As should be
understood, as each winch 122, 124 retracts the respective cables
126, 128, 130, 132, the cable 126, 128, 130, 132 may wind and be
spooled within the respective winch 122, 124. As each winch 122,
124 extends the respective cables 126, 128, 130, 132, the cable
126, 128, 130, 132 may unwind from within the respective winch 122,
124. Adjusting the respective extended lengths of the cables 126,
128, 130, 132 may adjust the position of the respective attachment
points 116, 118, 120 relative to one another. For example,
adjusting an extended length of the first cable 126 may adjust the
position of the first attachment point 116 relative to the second
attachment point 118 and the third attachment point 120. In certain
embodiments, the attachment points 116, 118, 120 may also be
coupled to one another. In this manner, movement of one of the
attachment points 116, 118, 120 may move another attachment point
116, 118, 120. As should be understood, movement of the attachment
points 116, 118, 120 may additionally or alternatively adjust a
position of the entertainment FIG. 102. In other words, movement of
one of the attachment points 116, 118, 120 may adjust an
orientation of the entertainment FIG. 102, a location of the
entertainment FIG. 102 relative to the tracks 108, 110, or
both.
Adjustment of the entertainment FIG. 102 may generally enhance the
experience of a guest in the show system 100. In one example, the
adjustment of the attachment points 116, 118, 120 may enhance
control of the entertainment FIG. 102 to move into multiple
possible orientations, alignments, and/or arrangements.
Specifically, the extended length of each cable 126, 128, 130, 132
and/or the location of each bogie 112, 114 along the track may be
controlled to enable positioning each of the attachment points 116,
118, 120 to a target position. Thus, a substantially exact
positioning of the entertainment FIG. 102 may be achieved.
Additionally, adjustment of the attachment points 116, 118, 120 may
move the entertainment FIG. 102 in a realistic manner as viewed by
the guests. That is, extension and/or retraction of the respective
cables 126, 128, 130, 132 may move the attachment points 116, 118,
120 in a smooth and natural manner as seen by the guests. In
another example, translating the first and/or second bogies 112,
114 along the first and/or second tracks 108, 110 may transport the
entertainment FIG. 102 into or near the guest area 106 to enhance
the guests' experience. In one embodiment, the entertainment FIG.
102 may interact with the guest area 106. That is, the
entertainment FIG. 102 may move and/or be transported to engage
with the guest area 106, including contacting or nearly contacting
a portion of the guest area 106, for example.
In one embodiment, the show system 100 may include a controller 134
communicatively coupled with the entertainment figure system 104
and the controller 134 may be implemented to control movement of
and/or adjustment of the entertainment FIG. 102. By way of example,
the controller 134 may be communicatively coupled with and
implemented to control movement of the first and/or second bogies
112, 114 along the first and/or second tracks 108, 110. The
controller 134 may additionally or alternatively be communicatively
coupled with and implemented to control the first and/or second
winches 122, 124 to extend and/or retract the respective cables
126, 128, 130, 132. The controller 134 may include a memory 136 and
a processor 138. The memory 136 may be a mass storage device, a
flash memory device, removable memory, or any other non-transitory
computer-readable medium that includes instructions regarding
control of the entertainment FIG. 102. The memory 136 may also
include volatile memory such as randomly accessible memory (RAM)
and/or non-volatile memory such as hard disc memory, flash memory,
and/or other suitable memory formats. The processor 138 may execute
the instructions stored in the memory 136, such as instructions to
adjust the first bogie 112, the second bogie 114, the first winch
122, and/or the second winch 124. In an additional or alternative
embodiment, the controller 134 may be implemented to control other
features of the entertainment figure system 104. For example, the
controller 134 may control certain show effects, including audio
(e.g., music) and visual (e.g., video, pyrotechnics) effects, which
may further enhance the guests' experience. In a further
embodiment, the controller 134 may be implemented to control the
guest area 106, which may include adjusting and/or moving the guest
area 106 or seating within the guest area 106. Although FIG. 1
illustrates the show system 100 as including one controller 134,
there may be any number of controllers 134 implemented in the show
system 100.
It should be appreciated that in one embodiment, the guest area 106
may not be separate from the entertainment figure system 104, as
depicted in FIG. 1. In other words, guests may be a part of the
entertainment figure system 104 (e.g., guests may be seated within
the entertainment FIG. 102). Thus, adjustment and/or movement of
the entertainment FIG. 102 may also adjust and/or move guests as
well. For example, a certain part of the entertainment FIG. 102 may
be moved in a vertical direction to move guests in the vertical
direction, which may impart forces on the guests to enhance their
experience.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the entertainment
figure system 104 that includes the entertainment FIG. 102. As an
example, the illustrated embodiment of the entertainment FIG. 102
is a winged horse. The illustrated entertainment figure system 104
includes a first track 200, a second track 202, and a third track
204. The first track 200 may include a first bogie 206 implemented
to translate along the first track 200. The second track 202
supports a second bogie 208 and a third bogie 210, and the second
and/or third bogie 208, 210 may each be configured to translate
along the second track 202. The third track 204 supports a fourth
bogie 212 configured to translate along the third track 204.
Although the tracks 200, 202, 204 and the bogies 206, 208, 210, 212
are each illustrated as having a generally rectangular shape, it
should be appreciated that the tracks 200, 202, 204 and the bogies
206, 208, 210, 212 may be of any other suitable shape, such as a
cylindrical shape. Further, the bogies 206, 208, 210, 212 may
couple to the tracks 200, 202, 204 in any suitable manner.
As depicted in FIG. 2, a first cable 214 may extend from the first
bogie 206 to a first attachment point 216 of the entertainment FIG.
102, which may correspond to a head 218 of the entertainment FIG.
102. A second cable 220 may extend from the second bogie 208 to a
second attachment point 222 (e.g., on a first wing 224) and a third
cable 226 may extend from the second bogie 208 to a third
attachment point 228 (e.g., on a second wing 230) of the
entertainment FIG. 102. A fourth cable 232 may extend from the
third bogie 210 to the first attachment point 216. A fifth cable
234 may extend from the fourth bogie 212 to a fourth attachment
point 236 of the entertainment FIG. 102, which may be a tail 238,
for example. Each of the bogies 206, 208, 210, 212 may include a
respective winch (not shown) to adjust an extended length of the
respective cables 214, 220, 226, 232, 234.
It should be understood that other embodiments of the entertainment
figure system 104 may include a different number and/or location of
the tracks 200, 202, 204, of the bogies 206, 208, 210, 212
implemented to translate on each of the tracks 200, 202, 204, of
the attachment points 216, 222, 228, 236 associated with the
entertainment FIG. 102, and/or of cables 214, 220, 226, 232, 234
extending from each of the bogies 206, 208, 210, 212 to the
respective attachment points 216, 222, 228, 236. For example, at
least one of the cables 214, 220, 226, 232, 234 may be attached to
multiple attachment points 216, 222, 228, 236 to enhance control of
the entertainment FIG. 102.
In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, positioning of the first
attachment point 216 may be controlled via extending and/or
retracting the first cable 214 and/or the fourth cable 232, for
example to move the head 218 from side to side, or to turn the head
218. Positioning of the second attachment point 222 may be
controlled via extending and/or retracting the second cable 220,
for example to lower and raise the first wing 224. Positioning of
the third attachment point 228 may be controlled via extending
and/or retracting the third cable 226, for example to lower and
raise the second wing 230. Positioning of the fourth attachment
point 236 may be controlled via extending and/or retracting the
fifth cable 234, for example to move the tail 238.
Each of the bogies 206, 208, 210, 212 may also be controlled to
transport the entertainment FIG. 102. Specifically, the bogies 206,
208, 210, 212 may each be configured to translate on the respective
tracks 200, 202, 204 to adjust the location of at least a portion
of the entertainment FIG. 102. The bogies 206, 208, 210, 212 may
each be controlled to translate at a particular velocity and/or
direction independent of one another. Thus, even though both the
second bogie 208 and the third bogie 210 may each be implemented to
translate along the second track 202, the second bogie 208 may
translate in a different direction and/or a different velocity than
the third bogie 210.
It should be understood that any combination of adjustment of the
bogies 206, 208, 210, 212 and/or the cables 214, 220, 226, 232, 234
may be performed to transport and/or move the entertainment FIG.
102. As an example, retracting the first, second, third, and fourth
cables 214, 220, 226, 232 while extending the fifth cable 234 may
generally move the entertainment FIG. 102 in a first direction 240
(e.g., a vertical direction upwards). Further, extending the first,
second, third, and fourth cables 214, 220, 226, 232 while
retracting the fifth cable 234 may generally move the entertainment
FIG. 102 in a second direction 242 opposite the first direction 240
(e.g., a vertical direction downwards. Thus, the cables 214, 220,
226, 232, 234 may be extended and/or retracted to respectively
raise and lower the entertainment FIG. 102. In one embodiment, the
cables 214, 220, 226, 232, 234 may be extended and/or retracted at
setpoint rates to respectively raise and lower the entertainment
FIG. 102 at a desirable velocity, such as to lower the
entertainment FIG. 102 at faster speed than that of gravitation
forces.
In an additional or alternative embodiment, the bogies 206, 208,
210, 212 and/or the cables 214, 220, 226, 232, 234 may be adjusted
to rotate the entertainment FIG. 102. By way of example, the first
bogie 206 may translate in a third direction 244 along the first
track 200 while the second bogie 208 and the third bogie 210 may
translate in a fourth direction 246 along the second track 202 to
rotate the entertainment FIG. 102 in a first rotational direction
248. In an additional example, the first cable 214, the fourth
cable 232, and the fifth cable 234 may retract while the second
cable 220 and the third cable 226 extend to rotate the
entertainment FIG. 102 in a second rotational direction 250. It
should also be understood that any combination of translation of
the bogies 206, 208, 210, 212 and extension and/or retraction of
the cables 214, 220, 226, 232, 234 may be performed to rotate the
entertainment FIG. 102.
It should be appreciated that the combination of tracks 200, 202,
204, bogies 206, 208, 210, 212, and cables 214, 220, 226, 232, 234
may enable greater control of the entertainment FIG. 102 than
certain existing systems, such as robotic arm systems. For example,
a target position and/or velocity of each bogie 206, 208, 210, 212
along the respective tracks 200, 202, 204 and a target position
and/or velocity of each cable 214, 220, 226, 232, 234 may control a
position and/or velocity of the respective attachment points 216,
222, 228, 236 to arrange the entertainment FIG. 102 as desired.
Furthermore, the combination of tracks 200, 202, 204, bogies 206,
208, 210, 212, and cables 214, 220, 226, 232, 234 may enable
accurate repeatability in arranging the entertainment FIG. 102.
That is, the tracks 200, 202, 204 may guide the bogies 206, 208,
210, 212 to translate along a specific path, in which the position
of each bogie 206, 208, 210, 212 may be determined and set at a
specific location of the respective tracks 200, 202, 204.
Moreover, in certain embodiments, the bogies 206, 208, 210, 212 may
rotate about the respective tracks 200, 202, 204 to enhance
adjustment of the entertainment FIG. 102. Rotation of the bogies
206, 208, 210, 212 may further permit adjustment of the attachment
points 216, 222, 228, 236 by adjusting the angle at which each
cable 214, 220, 226, 232, 234 acts on the attachment points 216,
222, 228, 236. For example, rotation of the bogies 206, 208, 210,
212 may adjust the cables 214, 220, 226, 232, 234 to move the
attachment points 216, 222, 228, 236 in a manner that would
otherwise not be achievable by merely extending and/or adjusting
the cables 214, 220, 226, 232, 234.
In a further embodiment, a position of at least one of the tracks
200, 202, 204 may be adjusted. In other words, the tracks 200, 202,
204 may move relative to one another to permit the associated
bogies 206, 208, 210, 212 to translate in different directions. For
example, the first track 200 may rotate in the second rotational
direction 250. In this manner, the first bogie 206 may translate in
an incline along the first track 200 in the third direction 244.
Movement of the tracks 200, 202, 204 may enable a greater amount of
control to adjust the entertainment FIG. 102 by enabling the bogies
206, 208, 210, 212 to translate in additional directions.
As will be appreciated, the entertainment FIG. 102 may include
joints to allow articulation of different parts of the
entertainment FIG. 102. To this end, the joints allow the
attachment points 216, 222, 228, 236 to move independently of one
another. In other words, the joints allow different parts of the
entertainment FIG. 102 to move separately from and relative to one
another, which may produce more lifelike movement of the
entertainment FIG. 102.
Adjustment of the bogies 206, 208, 210, 212, of the cables 214,
220, 226, 232, 234, and/or of the tracks 200, 202, 204 may be
controlled via a controller (e.g., the controller 134). In some
embodiments, multiple controllers may be used, such as a first
controller to adjust the bogies 206, 208, 210, 212, a second
controller to adjust the cables 214, 220, 226, 232, 234, and a
third controller to adjust the tracks 200, 202, 204.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the first track 200 and
the second track 202 are positioned above the third track 204,
though it should be understood that the first track 200 and the
second track 202 may be positioned in any manner relative to one
another. As an example, the first track 200 and/or the second track
202 may be coupled to a structure of the entertainment figure
system 104 above the entertainment FIG. 102. For example, the first
track 200 and/or the second track 202 may be coupled to static
support features, such as columns, frames, permanent cables,
another suitable feature, or any combination thereof. In this
manner, a weight of the entertainment FIG. 102 may be supported by
the structure and the tracks 200, 202 in addition to the cables
214, 220, 226, 232 and the bogies 206, 208, 210. In one
non-limiting embodiment, the entertainment figure system 104 may
support a weight of the entertainment FIG. 102 of up to 1000
kilograms (kg). Furthermore, the third track 204 may be coupled to
an additional structure (e.g., static support) of the entertainment
figure system 104 below the entertainment FIG. 102. The additional
structure may provide additional support of the entertainment FIG.
102, such as by providing an anchor that enables the fifth cable
234 to pull the entertainment FIG. 102 down at a rate faster than a
rate at which a gravitational force would pull the entertainment
FIG. 102. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the tracks
200, 202, 204 may be coupled to a dynamic feature. For instance,
the third track 204 may be coupled to a base 252 configured to
rotate in a third rotational direction 254. In this manner, as the
base 252 rotates, the third track 204 may also rotate, thereby
moving the fourth bogie 212 and/or adjusting an extended length of
the fifth cable 234. Further embodiments of dynamic features may
translate in a particular direction to move the third track
204.
FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the entertainment
figure system 104 illustrating a mechanism of how attachment points
of the entertainment FIG. 102 may be adjusted. The illustrated
embodiment of the entertainment figure system 104 includes a first
bogie 300 implemented to translate along a first track 302. The
first bogie 300 includes a first winch 304, in which a first cable
306 may be coupled to the first winch 304, a first attachment point
308, and a second attachment point 310 of the entertainment FIG.
102. For example, the first attachment point 308 may include a
support 311 (e.g., a loop) through which the first cable 306 may be
inserted to attach to the second attachment point 310. In this
manner, when the first cable 306 is extended and/or retracted via
the first winch 304, the first cable 306 may drive both the first
attachment point 308 and the second attachment point 310 to move.
The entertainment figure system 104 may also include a second bogie
312 implemented to translate along a second track 314. The second
bogie 312 includes a second winch 316, in which a second cable 318
may be coupled to the second winch 316 and a third attachment point
320. The first and second bogies 300, 312 may each include a motor
322 implemented to facilitate the first and second bogies 300, 312
to translate along the respective first and second tracks 302,
314.
Additionally, the first and second bogies 300, 312 may each be
communicatively coupled to a bogie controller 324, which may be the
same or a different controller than the controller 134 of FIG. 1.
In some embodiments, the bogie controller 324 may be a programmable
logic controller (PLC) configured to control the first winch 304,
the second winch 316, and/or the motor 322 of the first bogie 300
and the second bogie 312. As an example, the first winch 304 and/or
the second winch 316 may each include an actuator 326. The bogie
controller 324 may be configured to activate the actuator 326 to
extend and/or retract the cables 306, 318. The bogie controller 324
may also operate the motor 322 to adjust a position of the
respective bogies 300, 312 along the respective tracks 302,
314.
In some embodiments, the winches 304, 316 and/or the motor 322 may
each include a sensor 328 implemented to detect a particular
parameter. For example, the sensors 328 may detect a position of
the respective bogies 300, 312 along the respective tracks 302, 314
and/or detect a velocity of the respective bogies 300, 312
translating along the respective tracks 302, 314. The bogie
controller 324 may use the detected position and/or velocity to
operate the motors 322. The sensors 328 may additionally or
alternatively determine an extended length of the respective cables
306, 318 extended by the respective winches 304, 316, a rate at
which the respective winches 304, 316 may be extending or
retracting the respective cables 306, 318, a tension imparted on
the respective cables 306, 318, and/or a torque imparted on the
respective winches 304, 316. The bogie controller 324 may use the
detected length, rate, tension, and/or torque to operate the
actuators 326.
In general, a position of the attachment points 308, 310, 320 may
be associated with the respective locations of the bogies 300, 312
and/or the extended length of the cables 306, 318. The position of
each attachment point 308, 310, 320 may also be associated with one
another. In other words, in certain configurations, adjusting the
position of the first attachment point 308 may also adjust the
position of the second attachment point 310. For example, since the
first cable 306 is coupled to both the first attachment point 308
and the second attachment point 310, adjusting a position and/or
extended length of the first cable 306 may adjust the respective
positions of both the first attachment point 308 and the second
attachment point 310. Subsequently, the position of the third
attachment point 320 may also be adjusted from the adjustment of
the first attachment point 308 and the second attachment point 310,
even if the second cable 318 and/or second bogie 312 associated
with the third attachment point 320 was not controlled to be
adjusted.
Although FIG. 3 illustrates that the first and second winches 304,
316 are disposed on the respective first and second bogies 300,
312, it should be appreciated that the first and second winches
304, 316 may additionally or alternatively be disposed on the
entertainment FIG. 102 (e.g., the attachment points 308, 310, 320).
In this manner, the respective cables 306, 318 may be extended
and/or retracted from the entertainment FIG. 102. Additionally,
although FIG. 3 depicts each bogie 300, 312 as including a separate
bogie controller 324, the bogies 300, 312 may be communicatively
coupled to the same bogie controller 324. That is, the same bogie
controller 324 may adjust the bogies 300, 312 and/or the cables
306, 318.
FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the entertainment
figure system 104 illustrating another configuration in which the
first attachment point 308 and the second attachment point 310 may
be controlled by a single bogie 350. In the illustrated embodiment,
the bogie 350 may include the first winch 304, the second winch
316, and a third winch 352, in which each of the winches 304, 316,
352 includes the actuator 326 and the sensor 328 that are each
communicatively coupled to the controller 134. Furthermore, each
winch 304, 316, 352 respectively includes a first cable 354, a
second cable 356, and a third cable 358. The cables 354, 356, 358
are each respectively attached to a main cable 360, in which the
main cable 360 is coupled to the first attachment point 308 and the
second attachment point 310.
The controller 134 may control the actuators 326 of each winch 304,
316, 352 to respectively extend and/or retract the cables 354, 356,
358, thereby adjusting the main cable 360. As a result, the
positions of the attachment points 308, 310 may also be adjusted.
For example, the controller 134 may instruct the third winch 352 to
raise the third cable 358 in the first direction 240 by a greater
extent than an amount at which the first winch 304 raises the first
cable 354 in the first direction 240, thereby moving the second
attachment point 310 in the first direction 240 relative to the
second attachment point 308. In a further example, the controller
134 may instruct the three winches 304, 316, 352 to raise each of
the cables 354, 356, 358 in the first direction 240 by the same
amount, thereby raising the entire main cable 360 and raising the
attachments points 308, 310 concurrently. In general, the
illustrated embodiment may enable the controller 134 to control the
position of the attachment points 308, 310 precisely relative to
one another.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a method 400 to
adjust the entertainment FIG. 102. The method 400 may be performed
by, for example, the controller 134 and/or the bogie controller
324. At block 402, a target position of the entertainment FIG. 102
is received. In one embodiment, the target position of the
entertainment FIG. 102 includes a target position of each
attachment point of the entertainment FIG. 102, such as relative to
one another and/or relative to the entertainment figure system 104.
However, in an additional or alternative embodiment, the target
position of the entertainment FIG. 102 may include a target
position of a bogie and/or a cable associated with the
entertainment FIG. 102.
At block 404, a current position of the entertainment FIG. 102 is
identified. Specifically, the current position of each attachment
point of the entertainment FIG. 102 may be identified (e.g.,
relative to one another and/or relative to the entertainment figure
system 104). Additionally or alternatively, the current position of
the bogies and/or the cables associated with the entertainment FIG.
102 may be identified. In accordance to such approaches, the
identified current position of the entertainment FIG. 102 may be
compared to the received target position of the entertainment FIG.
102.
In response to comparing the received target position and the
identified current position of the entertainment FIG. 102, the
position of the entertainment FIG. 102 may be adjusted, as shown at
block 406. In particular, the current position of the entertainment
FIG. 102 may be adjusted to match or substantially match the target
position of the entertainment FIG. 102.
To accomplish the act associated with block 406, the respective
positions of one or more bogies may be adjusted along the
respective tracks associated with the entertainment FIG. 102, as
indicated at block 408. As previously discussed, each of the bogies
may be adjusted independently from one another to adjust the
entertainment FIG. 102. Additionally or alternatively, the
respective extended lengths of one or more cables may be adjusted,
as indicated at block 410. Each cable may be adjusted independently
of one another and thus, different cables may be extended and/or
retracted. As previously mentioned, other adjustments may also be
performed, such as rotation of the bogies and/or adjustment of the
tracks on which the bogies are positioned.
It should be understood that blocks 408 and 410 may be performed
simultaneously. That is, while the bogies are adjusted along the
respective tracks, the respective cables may also be adjusted.
However, in an additional or an alternative embodiment, adjustment
of the bogies and/or the cables may not be performed
simultaneously. For example, certain bogies may be adjusted prior
to adjusting certain cables.
In one embodiment, the steps of blocks 408 and 410 may be performed
based on a pre-programmed motion profile. For example, the bogie
controllers 324 may be programmed with a specific motion profile
that may generally set a position, speed, and/or acceleration at
which the bogie and/or the cable is adjusted. Based on the selected
motion profile, the controller 134 (e.g., via a ride show
supervisor or a pre-programmed show control system) may command the
bogie controllers 324 to perform one or more of the programmed
motion profiles.
In an additional or an alternative embodiment, a speed at which the
current position of the entertainment FIG. 102 is adjusted may be
based at least in part on the comparison between the received
target position and the identified current position of the
entertainment FIG. 102. As an example, the speed at which the
entertainment FIG. 102 is adjusted may be proportional to a
determined difference between the received target position and the
identified current position. In other words, if it is determined
that the difference between the received target position and the
identified current position is substantially small, the
entertainment FIG. 102 may be adjusted at a substantially low
speed. However, if it is determined that the difference between the
received target position and the identified current position is
larger, the entertainment FIG. 102 may be adjusted at a higher
speed. In an additional or alternative embodiment, a target speed
of adjusting the entertainment FIG. 102 may also be received. In
other words, in addition to receiving the target position of the
entertainment FIG. 102, a target speed at which the entertainment
FIG. 102 is to be adjusted (e.g., a target speed or rate to adjust
the associated bogies and/or the associated cables) may also be
received. Accordingly, the entertainment FIG. 102 may be adjusted
at the received target speed.
It should be understood that a particular position of the
entertainment FIG. 102 may be achieved in more than one
configuration of the bogies and/or cables. That is, positioning the
bogie at a first position along the track and extending the cable
to a first length may adjust the associated attachment point to a
target position. Additionally, positioning the bogie at a second
position along the track and extending the cable to a second length
may also adjust the associated attachment point to the same target
position. However, the adjustment of the bogies and/or the cables
may be based on a target movement (e.g., an amount of vertical
and/or horizontal movement) of the entertainment FIG. 102. To this
end, additionally or alternatively, the entertainment FIG. 102 may
be adjusted based on receiving a target movement of the
entertainment FIG. 102. For example, the bogies and/or cables may
be adjusted accordingly to move an attachment point to a target
position via a target movement. Thus, the method 400 may permit the
entertainment FIG. 102 to adjust to a target position, at a target
velocity, and/or via a target movement.
The method 400 may be performed by a controller, such as the
controller 134 and/or the bogie controller 324. In one embodiment,
the method 400 may be pre-programmed. In other words, adjustment of
the entertainment FIG. 102 may be set at certain times when in
operation (e.g., at a particular time of a show). In this manner,
the attachment points of the entertainment FIG. 102 may be adjusted
to different positions based on the time as determined by the
pre-programming. However, additionally or alternatively, adjustment
of the entertainment FIG. 102 may be set based on an input. In
other words, the controller may receive an input, such as by a
user, indicating the target adjustment of the entertainment FIG.
102, such as the target location, speed, and/or movement.
Accordingly, the entertainment FIG. 102 adjusts based on the
received input.
It should be understood that steps not described in the method 400
may be performed. That is, steps may be performed before the block
402 and/or after the blocks 408 and/or 410. Intermediate steps may
also be performed between any of the blocks 402, 404, 406, 408,
410. It should also be appreciated that the steps of the method 400
may be performed in a different order than described.
While only certain features of the disclosure have been illustrated
and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to
those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that
the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications
and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.
The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and
applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical
nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and,
as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical.
Further, if any claims appended to the end of this specification
contain one or more elements designated as "means for [perform]ing
[a function] . . . " or "step for [perform]ing [a function] . . .
", it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted under 35
U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claims containing elements
designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements
are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).
* * * * *